HUNTING
Licensing/Regulations
Resources
FISHING/BOATING
Fishing Licensing/Regulations
Resources
CONSERVATION
Species
Management
Resources
EDUCATION
RESOURCES
Programs/Services
Publications/Apps
ABOUT
The information below is taken from the CDC Veterinarian Reference and Cyanobacteria Blooms FAQ brochures. For more information from the CDC go to https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/cwh/technical_hab.htm.
What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms that live in all types of water.
What is a cyanobacteria blooms?
Cyanobacteria grow quickly, or bloom, when the water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients.
What are some characteristics of cyanobacteria blooms?
What is a toxic bloom?
Other important things to know:
You cannot tell if a bloom is toxic by looking at it.
To report a cyanobacteria bloom or related health event call your local or state health department (www.ndhealth.gov).
Exposure and Clinical Information
Information about the health effects from exposure to cyanobacteria and toxins is derived from reports of animal poisonings.*
Potential Exposure Route: Swallowing water that is contaminated with cyanobacteria or toxins or licking it off fur or hair
Potential Exposure Route: Skin contact with water contaminated with cyanobacteria or toxin(s)
Notes
*References are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/cwh/technical_hab.htm.
What are cyanobacteria?
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found naturally in all types of water. These single-celled organisms live in fresh, brackish (combined salt and fresh water), and marine water. These organisms use sunlight to make their own food. In warm, nutrient-rich (high in phosphorus and nitrogen) environments, cyanobacteria can multiply quickly, creating blooms that spread across the water’s surface. The blooms might become visible.
How are cyanobacteria blooms formed?
Cyanobacteria blooms form when cyanobacteria, which are normally found in the water, start to multiply very quickly. Blooms can form in warm, slow-moving waters that are rich in nutrients from sources such as fertilizer runoff or septic tank overflows. Cyanobacteria blooms need nutrients to survive. The blooms can form at any time, but most often form in late summer or early fall.
What does a cyanobacteria bloom look like?
You might or might not be able to see cyanobacteria blooms. They sometimes stay below the water’s surface, they sometimes float to the surface. Some cyanobacteria blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats, particularly when the wind blows them toward a shoreline. The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown, or red. Blooms sometimes look like paint floating on the water’s surface. As cyanobacteria in a bloom die, the water may smell bad, similar to rotting plants.
Why are some cyanbacteria blooms harmful?
Cyanobacteria blooms that harm people, animals, or the environment are called cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms. Harmful cyanobacteria blooms may affect people, animals, or the environment by:
How can people and animals come in contact with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the environment?
People and animals can come in contact with cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins that are in the environment by:
How do I protect myself, my family, and my pets from cyanobacteria blooms?
To protect yourself, your family and your pets from cyanobacteria blooms:
Why do dogs get sick more often than people from cyanobacteria blooms?
Dogs will get in a body of water even if it looks or smells bad, including when it contains cyanobacteria. Dogs are also more likely to drink the contaminated water.
How are people or animals that have been exposed to cyanobacteria toxins treated?
If you or your pet comes in contact with a cyanobacteria, wash yourself and your pet thoroughly with fresh water.
How can you help reduce cyanobacteria blooms from forming?
To help reduce cyanobacteria from forming:
Is there testing for cyanobacteria toxins?
Yes, but the testing is specialized and can only be done by a few laboratories. Scientists are working to develop toxin test kits for water resource managers and others.
What is CDC doing to address concerns about cyanobacteria blooms?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working to understand and prevent the health effects associated with cyanobacteria blooms by conducting surveillance on human and animal illnesses that are associated with exposures to cyanobacteria blooms in recreational and drinking waters.